Sanders:‘Victory Won, Justice Served’

New York City Councilman James Sanders Jr. has released the following statement in response to the welcome news that Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda and mastermind behind the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York City and the Pentagon, has finally been killed:

“The killing of Osama bin Laden is a watershed moment in American history, and a significant turning point in the war on terror. It sends the clear message that no matter how long it takes or what obstacles we must overcome, the commitment, resolve and determination of the American people to bring terrorists to justice will never fade or waver. You cannot run far enough or fast enough; in the end, we will always find you, and justice will be served.

Today, I want to offer my personal congratulations to President Obama, and extend my thanks to our brave men and women in uniform, who have fought so bravely these past ten years to keep America safe. The military operation undertaken to kill bin Laden was of the most dangerous sort, and the courage and fortitude of those nameless, faceless heroes who perfectly executed that mission will forever be ingrained in our national consciousness.

Every New Yorker remembers that terrible day ten years ago that left a gaping hole in our city and a bigger one in our hearts. Today, at long last, perhaps the victims and families of 9/11 can finally gain some closure.

The death of bin Laden is significant, but we should not delude ourselves into thinking the war against terror is over. We must remain diligent in our efforts to protect America and our allies against the madness of terrorism wherever it strikes and regardless of what form it takes.”